Jesus' Resurrection Gave Christians Proof Of His Power

RELIGION - FROM THE PULPIT

April 15, 1995

History records many great days, but the grandest day of all was the day Jesus rose from the dead. When the soldiers came to the cross late in the afternoon, they found him dead. Making certain of his death, one of the soldiers thrust a spear into his side.

Two friends gently lowered his body from the cross and buried it in a tomb. Early on the first day of the week, Jesus arose and walked out into the world.

What did his resurrection prove?

1. He was the Son of God.

2. Every claim he ever made was true.

3. He had all power in heaven and in earth.

4. He had power to break the bonds of death and the grave.

5. He has the power to save us.

6. There is a resurrection for us, also.

7. He will not ascend into heaven and leave us in our graves permanently.

If Jesus had stayed in the tomb, we would never have had a Savior. If he had wasted away in the grave, we could never have believed in him. As he had promised, Jesus did rise again in all of his power and glory. Today we have a living Savior.

Mary Magdalene returning to the tomb, looked inside and saw two angels sitting there. The angels asked her, ''Why are you weeping?'' She answered, ''Because they have taken away my Lord and I know not where they have laid him.''

She turned around and saw Jesus standing there in his glorified body, but she did not recognize him. Jesus asked her the same question: ''Woman, why weepest thou?'' There was no need for her tears and anxiety. Jesus was there right at her side.

How many times do you and I weep when there is no cause for anxiety? Our worries show a lack of faith in God. If we had more faith, we would realize that Christ is always near. He is just as close as he was to Mary Magdalene.

Jesus spoke just one word: ''Mary.'' No one else could have spoken in the tone of voice that he used. And that one word was enough. Her eyes were opened. It was Jesus! Her Savior was not dead. He was alive again. Now her heart was happy, her joy was full, her tears were washed away.

No one else can change a life so completely as Jesus.

The world needs a risen Savior. Only a living Lord can save men. Only a living Lord can change the stream of human history as he has done.

And one day he is coming back, not to hang upon a cross, but to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords forever and ever.